Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini vows to close gap on neighbours United at top of Premier League table

Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, has said he expects his side to
reduce United's seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table by
the end of the month despite losing Mario Balotelli to AC Milan.

Eyes on the prize: Roberto Mancini remains confident Manchester City can close the gap on United at the top of the Premier League tablePhoto: EPA

City have had a difficult week after being held to a goalless draw by Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Tuesday after accepting that after two-and-a-half years of trying to coax the best out of Balotelli, selling the striker was in everyone's interests.

But now Mancini only wants to look forward and haul his side back into contention for more title success.

The Italian, whose side host Liverpool on Sunday, said of the United's lead: "This doesn't change [anything]. I think when we arrive at the end of February, the gap will be very, very small.

"In every championship, never one team won a title in January. We should fight until April.

"If they have seven, eight, nine points [lead] in April, it could be difficult, maybe. But in this moment we have a big chance."